Introduction of Computers.

Computer Basics

Learning computer basics is a dreaded nightmare for any new computer user. There are so many things to learn about computers and the fact that they change with new updates every day, the entire learning process seems a little bit crazy. I have been working on computers for more than 25 years and when I first started to use a computer there was no such thing as Windows. You had to navigate around the computer by using DOS command lines, and believe me, computers did not look pretty in those days.
I must say, that learning computer basics now days is a lot easier, as everything is right in front of you on your desktop with a graphical interface. The Windows operating system has made it as easy as possible for you to navigate around your computer and get your job done.

Quick Computer Tips for New Computer Users

1. Enlarge the text on the screen:
Press CTRL and + on your keyboard to enlarge text while using Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Firefox. Press CTRL and - to reduce the size again.
2. Clicking on links:
Sometimes when you click on a link it might open on another tab or even in another window altogether. Often people keep clicking a link because they think it is not opening. When browsing the Internet and you click on the link, it does not always open in the same window. Look for other tabs at the top of your browser. 

The First Step in Computer Basics

Basic Computer Components Computers come in different shapes and sizes.  However, there are several parts on a computer that are universal to all computers. Hardware vs. Software Hardware includes the parts of the computer system that you actually can touch (like the keyboard, mouse, monitor, or CPU).  What’s a CPU?  It’s explained below.

Software refers to the programs that you use on your computer (like a wordprocessing program) or the programs that make your computer work (you physically cannot touch these).  Programs are also called applications.  

CPU (Central Processing Unit):

This box is the brain of a computer system.  It processes, stores, and communicates information.  Wires connect your CPU to your monitor and other devices.  Computers are somewhat similar to people.  They have memories just like us.  The memory on a computer is stored in data on disks.  Disks look like small heavy old style records.  Disks function similarly like records.  As the disk spins inside the computer, the data on the disk is accessed.  The programs that you use (such as word-processing) and the program that runs your computer (the operating system) are stored on the CPU’s hard disk.   

Monitor:

This part of the computer system that visually communicates with the user.  It is somewhat like a television.  Almost all information communicated from the computer to the user is through the monitor.  (The monitor is also referred to as “the screen”)

On most computer systems, both the CPU and the monitor have a power switch that turns them on and off.  Most power switches have this symbol.    

Printer:

This device takes information (usually text and pictures) from the computer and prints it on paper. 
Keyboard: The keyboard is an important tool that allows a user to communicate with the computer.  It is composed of “keys” that send a signal to the computer that the computer recognizes and uses to carry out processes and programs.  Keyboards come in various shapes and sizes, but serve generally the same purpose.  We’ll go over the specific keys in another part of this guide.   

Mouse:

Similar to the keyboard, the mouse is used to communicate with the computer.  The mouse is like a remote control to a TV—It is a tool that drives the computer that can be used “away from the computer;” though the mouse is considered your direct connection into the computer world.  We’ll go over how to use the mouse later in the guide.  

Computer literacy is the knowledge and ability to use computers and technology efficiently. These computers basics tutorial will help you understand everything you need to know.